5 offensive players in need of preseason wake-up call

Preseason will be Trent Richardson’s first opportunity to put last season behind him. (Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports)

The preseason mostly serves as a proving ground for young players, but it can also remind veterans that they are not in secure positions.

Though few players will lose their job during this time, several should be concerned about their standing as the exhibitions begin. Here’s five offensive players who should be on alert:

Trent Richardson, RB, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts won’t cut bait on Richardson after trading away a first round pick for him, even after Richardson bottomed out last season with a 2.9 yards-per-carry average. And with backup Vick Ballard out for the season, they don’t have many other options.

After harping all offseason about his increased comfort level within the offense, Richardson could use the preseason as a proving ground. The Colts’ interior offensive line is a potential weak point, but Richardson is out of excuses after last year’s debacle.

Shonn Greene, RB, Tennessee Titans

(Jim Brown, USA TODAY Sports)

For an already bulking running back, showing up to training camp is always concerning. Greene hasn’t slimmed down to his target weight of 235 pounds, and another Titans running back might race past him.

Greene should be quicker after a knee injury slowed him last season, but rookie Bishop Sankey is a legitimate threat to be Tennessee’s primary ball-carrier. Greene’s familiarity with the offense and pass-blocking ability will give him the early edge over Sankey, but those advantages will only hold for so long.

Brent Celek, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)

Celek held off Zach Ertz last season, but he might not be able to maintain the same level of playing time in Year 2 of Chip Kelly’s reign. Ertz had a few more catches and targets than Celek did last season despite getting few opportunities on the field. Now, Ertz looks poisted to take over some of Celek’s responsibilities.

Celek is a solid blocker and still has value. But with three years left on his deal, the 29-year-old will have to re-establish himself within Kelly’s system.

Kenny Britt, WR, St. Louis Rams

(Jeff Roberson, AP)

The dwindling number of chances available for Britt shouldn’t be lost on him. The former Pro Bowl selection signed a one-year deal with just $550,000 in guaranteed money to play for one of the few people in his corner, ex-Titans coach Jeff Fisher.

Britt has plenty of off-field baggage and had an atrocious 2013 season with the Titans. But the Rams are short on threats at wide receiver, and Britt has earned glowing reviews in the offseason. A steady, productive preseason could be the first step toward a starting spot and a career revival.

Donnie Avery, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

(Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Sports)

Avery was supposed to be the answer to the Chiefs’ longstanding need for a No. 2 wide receiver opposite Bowe. But the speedy receiver posted a disappointing 40 catches for 596 yards and 2 touchdowns last year.

The Chiefs still don’t have many options outside of Avery, but they have to find other receiving options to ease Jamaal Charles’ offensive burden. A.J. Jenkins or one of the young targets on the roster will have the chance to rise if Avery remains flat.